CDTA names Basile interim executive director

Carmen Basile, who joined the Capital District Transportation Authority in 1981 as a transportation planner and held numerous other positions there, has been named interim executive director. The appointment comes two days after the resignation of Raymond Melleady, who will leave the executive director’s post Aug. 31.

Basile has held positions in marketing, planning and business development. He currently is deputy executive director for business development.

“Carm has a thorough understanding of this organization, its opportunities and challenges, and I am confident that he will provide stability, leadership and vision to continue to make CDTA a better company,” said David Stackrow, chair of the authority’s board, in a press release.

Basile oversaw the the implementation of CDTA’s new “iride” branding campaign and the development of the SimpleFare program. He is also the liaison to the CDTA board of directors.

“We exist to serve people and I want to make transit service a natural choice for everyone who wants and needs it,” Basile said. “The foundation of our company is our employees and I have every confidence in their ability to deliver services and programs that we can be proud of.”

Basile will oversee a transit agency with 295 buses, 650 employees, and a nearly $72 million operating budget. The authority also operates train stations in Rensselaer and Saratoga Springs.

Eric Anderson

One Response

Maybe the new director can get the 232 to show up on time. Since the change of scheduling on May 24, the bus is consistantly late at least 10 minutes. There was one time it was 20 minutes late and another when it was 40 minutes late. When winter comes, that 20 or 40 minute wait will be horrendous. I don’t quite understand how the first run of the day can be late! How does CDTA expect to increase ridership when they just seem to make it impossible to find it dependable or convenient!